Menopause

A meta-analysis of research has confirmed that acupuncture can significantly help with symptoms of menopause, including the frequency/severity of hot flashes, low energy, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, sluggish metabolism, anxiety/mood swings, and low libido. (Chi, 2015)

Another study found the application of a combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture proved as effective as hormone therapy in the treatment of menopause-related symptoms. (Azizi, 2011) 

A FEW ACUPUNCTURE POINTS YOU CAN MASSAGE YOURSELF TO HELP WITH SYMPTOMS:

Du24 (Courtyard of the Spirit)

  • Location: Center of forehead (1/2 inch behind the hairline) - Press against this DU meridian by pressing the point and rubbing away from face toward the back of head. 

  • Action:Calms/Reduces Heat

HT6 (Yin Cleft)

  • Location:  Where a bracelet might touch the skin under the wrist crease on (pinky      side), about a pinky finger width below the wrist crease. (It's a tiny      point - press with the edge of your thumb in a clockwise rolling motion      toward under wrist crease below pinky finger). 

  • Action: alms the mind and closes the skin pores to stop sweating

SP6 (3 Yin intersection)

  • Location: Inside of lower leg, four fingers above inside of ankle bone (malleolus)  just behind leg bone (Tibia). (Use two hands to locate - place pinky on malleolus - use other hand to touch index finger of that hand - on edge of bony part of leg - Voila! )

  • Action: Aids digestion, insomnia, high blood pressure, stops hot flashes

KI1 (Gushing Spring)

  • Location: On the ball of the foot between 2nd/3rd toes. This can be stimulated by using a tennis ball/marble while holding another point.

  • Action: Supports memory, decreases blood pressure, and hot flashes

  • Hint: When touching points begin with DU24, then move to Left HT6, move to Right  Sp6, Right H6, and finish at Right KD1.

Who is affected by hot flashes the most?

Those who have exhausted their adrenal glands by years of overworking and/or those who have endured very high-stress levels over long periods of time seem most affected. As the ovaries slow down, the production of hormones (i.e. Estrogen) decrease and the adrenals should take over. However, if these are depleted, they cannot - and the body has a very difficult time with thermo-regulation, hence hot flashes occur.

A sluggish thyroid gland can slow metabolism and cause mood swings. The thyroid is another gland the tired adrenals try to support.

Chinese herbs have been traditionally used to strengthen the body's "Kidney energy" which is highly correlated with the adrenal glands (which sit on top of the kidneys "ad - renal”).

With weekly acupuncture sessions for 4-6 weeks along with Chinese Herbs and then monthly follow-up sessions, women notice a reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, with improved sleep, energy, and moods.